Violence broke out during a concrete industry strike in Cyprus on Monday, as conflict between strikers and non-unionised workers led to injuries at two construction sites that remained operational.
The incidents occurred when dozens of striking workers attempted to prevent concrete mixer trucks from leaving the facilities, where non-union employees had been producing concrete earlier in the day.
According to union sources, one striker and one union representative sustained minor injuries during the confrontations. In one instance, a striker was seen positioning himself in front of a concrete mixer truck’s wheels in an apparent attempt to prevent its movement.
Non-striking workers at the facilities called for respect of their decision to continue working, stating they were satisfied with their current benefits and wages. “The holidays are coming, and we need our salaries. We have no issues with our employers. We don’t mind them striking, but we shouldn’t have to lose our wages. They receive 50 euros daily from the unions, but we don’t belong to any unions,” one worker said.
A company representative claimed that “the few are holding the many hostage here”.
A representative from PEO union responded that “employers must come to sign and stop using excuses to mislead people. Strikers have the right to protect their strike. If employers are willing to come to the Ministry now, this moment, to sign, they should do so”.
The SEK union spokesperson noted that despite difficulties in getting the Minister’s proposal approved through general assemblies, they had succeeded, and called on employers “to come sign now”.
The dispute centres on negotiations for a new collective agreement between concrete industry employers and workers’ unions.
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